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ORIGINAL GERMAN RAKETEN 8.8CM PANZERSCHRECK

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
ORIGINAL GERMAN RAKETEN 8.8CM PANZERSCHRECK
DEWAT CURIO. Cal. 88mm. S# 1114. Manufactured in 1945. Designed by Hugo Schneider AG (HASAG) & put into production in late 1943. For a short period it was referred to as the RakentenPanzerBüsche 43, shortened to "RPzB 43" before receiving the new official designation of RPzB 54. It was nicknamed the PanzerSchreck (translated simply to "Tank Fear"), on November 29,1943, officially adopted by Der Führer. The two terms RaketenPanzerBüchse & PanzerSchreck seem to have been used interchangeably from that point forward. Based on present features, it appears that this example is the RaketenPanzerBüchse 54 late version, registered w/ earlier nomenclature Rakenten PanzerBusche 43. It has the upgraded tail section, to make loading easier, and the blast shield that became part of the system w/ late version offerings. The German PanzerSchreck was initially Inspired by a captured American bazooka. It is shoulder fired & launched a fin stabilized rocket with a shaped charge warhead. One major design difference between them was that the Panzerschreck was designed to utilize a mechanical firing system rather than an electric firing mechanism like the bazooka. This helped avoid malfunctions inherent in electrical systems which necessitated batteries. Each round, as loaded had an igniter that was inserted into the connector junction at the rear of the launcher. Upon firing, it would ignite the rocket motor, which would reach its full velocity of 100 meters per second within approximately 3 meters distance. Upon impact, the fuse would ignite the shaped charge warhead. This Panzerschreck 54 was designed as a lightweight infantry anti-tank weapon. Blast shield still present w/ intact sight glass & 2 original spare sight glass panels in the correct compartment. Front & rear sights present. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Blast shield, in terrific condition. Fully functional lock band, clear glass & 2 spare glass panels in storage compartment. Photocopies of 3 different German WWII era manuals. CONDITION: It appears that the Dewat process utilized was simply welding a steel cap over each end. No other alterations are visible. Overall appearance & finish is absolutely beautiful, w/ green paint on all exposed metal surfaces. The 2 sections where it may be carried / fired have hardwood panels. The body of it has no visible dents or blemishes aside from a few small scratches in the paint. The blast shield is void of any blemishing & all glass panels are clear & clean. Spare sight glass still has original papers, & latched in place. Firing mechanism cocks & safety engages & disengages properly. Trigger functions correctly to activate plunger. Projectile retention latch present & functional. Unable to provide bore statement due to welded caps. NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT DEWAT DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE REQUIRING BATF TRANSFER BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION. FULLY TRANSFERABLE. (03-1630/JZ). CURIO CLASS III. $1,500-2,500